About Us

Founder

Shri Vithal Ganesh Joshi, (later known as Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj alias Shree Sahajanand Saraswati), initiated the multifaceted development activities at Dervan. He was addressed as “Shree Maharaj”.

His discipline, ever-alertness, keen sense of observation and meticulous planning skills were of supreme standards. He was like an ocean of Mercy. The phrase “Harder than a stone yet more tender than a flower” could aptly describe Shree Maharaj’s personality.

In 1969, Shree Digambardas Maharaj built a shrine in the honor of the saint Shree Sant Sitarambua Walawalkar at Shree Kshetra Dervan and with a grand plan in his mind, set up ”Shree Sant Sitarambua Walawalkar Charitable Trust”. “Shivsrushti” began taking shape in 1981 under the guidance of Shree Maharaj. It marked the beginning of various social and religious programs. Today, these have developed into a movement of social change. This village, which did not even have access to proper roads 50 years back, has today become a center of diverse activities related to Spirituality, Culture, Education, Healthcare and Sociology .This effort to build a virtuous and capable society has attracted the attention of not only the entire country but also of those from abroad.

“Bhakta Shreshtha” (which means the foremost devotee) Mr.Kamlakar L. Walawalkar was a great philanthropist, worshipper of humanity and ardent disciple of Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj.

Mr.Walawalkar gave his unstinted support to the selfless humanitarian service work being carried out by his “Sadguru” Shree Maharaj, for the welfare of the people, through the medium of Shree Sant Sitarambua Walawalkar Charities Trust and Shree Vithalrao Joshi Charities Trust.

Shri Kaka Maharaj

To propagate the Swaroop Sampradaya , to achieve the goals set by his “Sadguru” – Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj, and to provide direction and guidance to the devotees, Mr. Ashok Raghunath Joshi alias Shree Kaka Maharaj was designated as the successor of the “Sadguru”. With tremendous zeal and efficiency, Shree Kaka Maharaj (also known as Ashok Kaka), has shouldered this responsibility and carried out the enormous task as directed by Shree Maharaj.

His vision, compassion, unending fervor to accomplish the dream of the Sadguru, along with his unique leadership style of attention to detail and unwavering confidence in the team, has created a matchless experience at Shree Kshetra Dervan.

Within a short period, Shree Kaka Maharaj – a Civil Engineer by training – oversaw the construction of beautiful temple-shrines of Shree Baba Maharaj and Shree Maharaj at Pune, Shree Swami Samarth temple at Swami Samarth Nagar, and the Shree Samarth Udyan at Shree Kshetra Dervan. While maintaining and encouraging Spiritual and traditional practices, he firmly believes in societal progress through Science. He has been instrumental in constituting the Scientific Advisory Committee consisting of esteemed scientists including “Padma Bhushan” Dr T Ramasami, with “Padma Vibhushan” Dr Anil Kakodkar as its Chairman, to provide direction and guidance for multiple research activities being carried out at Dervan.

During the past three decades, the activities of SVJCT have increased by leaps-and-bounds through the efforts of Shree Kaka Maharaj. His inspiring and approachable nature makes him accessible to one and all.

Managing Trustee

Mr. Vikas Walawalkar is the Managing Trustee of Shree Vithalrao Joshi Charities Trust.

An ardent devotee of his Sadguru- Shree Maharaj, all his actions are directed towards accomplishing the Guru’s vision of creating a strong and healthy society. His steadfast commitment and single-minded devotion have led to the creation of a unique oasis in the remote areas of Konkan, providing education, healthcare facilities and empowerment opportunities to the villagers. He is the sole benefactor for all facilities and schemes of the Trust.

Mr. Vikas has made it possible for the villagers to develop faith in modern medicines through consistent and strong community networking, several schemes for women and child health, cancer treatment facilities and most importantly through the modern medical facilities at BKL Walawalkar Hospital. His determined actions have resulted in the upliftment of the villagers, ensuring a certainty and stability in their lives, while transforming the tiny village of Dervan into a lively economic hub. This transformation has reduced migration to cities and contributed to prosperity of nearby villages.

B.K.L. Walawalkar Rural Medical College has provided opportunity for medical aspirants to evolve into committed medical professionals with global outlook. The Olympic level Sports Academy is playing a pivotal role in physical and mental health of rural youth providing them a vital platform to showcase their talents. Empowered villagers, with good medical facilities to maintain the quality of life, and opportunities for economic and academic growth have created a “Cillage” ( an eco-system that incorporates the best of a city and a village – a model for development for rural India) as outlined by Dr. Anil Kakodkar. Dervan village has made its imprints on the world map, shown the path of humanity, while also inculcating societal, moral doctrine in the medical professionals through the tenacious efforts of Mr. Vikas Walawalkar.